Part of me thought you would be my curly-headed 3-year-old forever, that somehow time would do me a favor and keep you forever my little sidekick. But here you are today, 11 years old. You're closer to fleeing the nest than letting me protect you in it forever. Every year I reflect on the hours of the day you were born, the fear we had when things took a very scary turn. What I realize now, is that you were proving to us right out of the womb just how strong you are. How willing you are to fight, and just how resilient you are. TJ, you are the makings of a superhero, with a heart of gold. I’ve seen you change so much this year, more emotionally than physically – because let’s face it, much like your mama, we’re still waiting on that growth spurt. But in the last 365 days, I’ve seen you slow down and observe, taking in the effects of the world and the possibilities around you. You’re morphing from a crazy little boy to a responsible young man. It makes us so proud TJ.
You’ve got the future ahead of you sweetheart, big dreams in your beautiful little mind. I promise to cheer you on every step of the way and do my best to get you where you want to go, the NFL, The MLB, SportsCenter, or Comedian. Whatever path you choose - I am confident the determination you continue to show me will take you to the top. I have no doubt your curious mind will ensure you always have all the facts before you make a big decision.
What you don’t realize today as you turn 11 is that we are at a pivot buddy. Time is forcing me to shift from the protective mama bear to the one who must let you fail and learn tough lessons. This part of parenting isn’t one anyone told me about. They didn’t tell me when they put you in my arms that one day I would have to start letting you fend for yourself. That one day you won’t need me so much anymore. If I had it my way, I’d keep you my little dude forever. So instead, I’ll put each of these beautiful moments of parenting in a little bank and take them out whenever I need. I will visit the moments of silly dancing, pouty snuggles, and all out-belly laughs. I am so thankful technology has granted me a phone so full of pictures and videos that it reminds me to clear space every day.
TJ, eleven years have gone by so fast, too fast. Thank you for being the best firstborn a momma could ask for. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of our big sensitive hearts and for showing us all that doing good comes before the rest. I am so proud of the student, athlete, and brother you are. Your sister continues to idolize you, despite your constant pranks and jokes.
Probably because she knows no matter the bickering that occurs between you two, you’ll always be her biggest fan.
Thank you for your constant jokes and one-liner puns, instilling that our home always has room for laughter and love. Thank you for the good morning hugs and constant reminders of your love for me. Please, please never stop that level of affection. The next few years are a different level of parenting. There will be moments when we don’t see eye to eye, times tough love is going to hurt us both. Because you’re growing, as much as I want to keep you under my roof forever, the fact is in fewer years than you’ve been on this earth, we’ll be sending you into the real world. So, for now, I am going to love you fiercely, protect you with all I have, and make sure each day continues to be filled with an annoying level of love and lots of Noah Kahan.
I love you sweet boy, Happy birthday.
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